Ski-simulation exercising machine

ABSTRACT

A ski-simulation exercising machine includes a base frame, two bent tubes each rotatably mounted on the base frame, two foot supports each mounted on a first end of a respective one of the two bent tubes, a rope reeved through a movable pulley and having two ends each secured on a second end of a respective one of the two bent tubes, and an antagonist resistance apparatus connected to the movable pulley. In such a manner, the ski-simulation exercising machine uses just one antagonist resistance apparatus to apply the antagonist resistance force so as to obtain the desired exercising effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a ski-simulation exercising machine, and more particularly to a physical exercising device to simulate the ski movement.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A conventional ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with the prior art includes many different types. In the existing ski-simulation exercising machines, the two foot supports are equipped with two different springs, generally oil or gas spring), thereby complicating the construction, and thereby increasing cost of fabrication. And in some cases they cannot reproduce the same feeling as when you are skiing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantage of the conventional ski-simulation exercising machine.

[0006] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a ski-simulation exercising machine using just one antagonist resistance apparatus to apply the antagonist resistance force so as to obtain the desired effect. Thus, the ski-simulation exercising machine twists leftward or rightward depending on which foot the athlete is applying his body weight.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a ski-simulation exercising machine, comprising:

[0008] a base frame;

[0009] two bent tubes each having a mediate portion rotatably mounted on the base frame;

[0010] two foot supports each mounted on a first end of a respective one of the two bent tubes;

[0011] a rope reeved through a movable pulley and having two ends each secured on a second end of a respective one of the two bent tubes; and

[0012] an antagonist resistance apparatus connected to the movable pulley.

[0013] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a partially side plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a partially top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a schematic plan operational view of the ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a partially top plan operational view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a partially top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a schematic operational view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 7 in use;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a schematic operational view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 7 in use;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a partially side plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 10;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a partially top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 11;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 13;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 15;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032]FIG. 19 is a partially top plan view of the ski-simulation exercising machine as shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-6, a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a base frame 7, a bearing 10, a swivel tube 12, two bent tubes 1, two foot supports 2, two lower fixed pulleys 6, an upper fixed pulley 62, a rope 3, an intermediate movable pulley 60, a connecting cable 4, and an antagonist resistance apparatus 5.

[0034] The base frame 7 has an upper portion provided with a handle 71 to facilitate the user holding the handle 71. The bearing 10 is mounted on the base frame 7. The swivel tube 12 is pivotally mounted on the bearing 10. Each of the two bent tubes 1 has a mediate portion rotatably mounted on one end of the swivel tube 12. Thus, when the swivel tube 12 is swiveled on the base frame 7 by the bearing 10, each of the two bent tubes 1 is swiveled on the base frame 7 by the swivel tube 12. Each of the two bent tubes 1 is provided with a support post 8. Each of the two foot supports 2 is mounted on a first end of a respective one of the two bent tubes 1. Each of the two lower fixed pulleys 6 is fixed on the base frame 7. The upper fixed pulley 62 is mounted on the upper portion of the base frame 7. The rope 3 is reeved through the intermediate movable pulley 60 and has two ends each reeved through a respective one of the two lower fixed pulleys 6 and each secured on a second end of a respective one of the two bent tubes 1. The connecting cable 4 has a first end connected to a support bracket 64 of the intermediate movable pulley 60 and a second end reeved through the upper fixed pulley 62 and secured on the antagonist resistance apparatus 5. The antagonist resistance apparatus 5 is preferably a weight.

[0035] In such a manner, the rope 3 is secured on the two bent tubes 1 and is connected to the antagonist resistance apparatus 5 through the connecting cable 4 by using a pulley system which includes two lower fixed pulleys 6, an intermediate movable pulley 60, and an upper fixed pulley 62.

[0036] In operation, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the user's two feet may step on the two foot supports 2 to press and lower one of the two bent tubes 1 and to lift the other one of the two bent tubes 1, thereby pulling the rope 3 so as to lift the antagonist resistance apparatus 5 through the connecting cable 4. Thus, the user has to exert a force to overcome the weight of the antagonist resistance apparatus 5, thereby achieving an exercising effect. As shown in FIG. 5, the user's one hand may hold the handle 71, so as to help the user to keep the position on the exercising machine and help the user not to fall down.

[0037] It is appreciated that, the two bent tubes 1 (and the two foot supports 2) are connected to just one antagonist resistance apparatus through one rope 3, so that the two bent tubes 1 (and the two foot supports 2) are connected together and are operated in concert with each other. In such a manner, the two bent tubes 1 (and the two foot supports 2) are always maintained at the central position. Thus, if the athlete balances his weight on the two foot supports 2 (or the two bent tubes 1), the two foot supports 2 (and the two foot supports 2) are always maintained at the central position. In addition, if the athlete charges more weight on one foot support 2, the load is concentrated on the one foot support 2, so that the one foot support 2 is lowered and the other foot support 2 is lifted, and vice versa.

[0038] Accordingly, the ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with the present invention uses just one antagonist resistance apparatus to apply the antagonist resistance force so as to obtain the desired effect.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the swivel tube 12 may be swiveled on the base frame 7 by the bearing 10, so that the two bent tubes 1 are synchronously swiveled on the base frame 7 to move from the position as shown in FIG. 7 to the position as shown in FIG. 8 or 9. Thus, the two bent tubes 1 may be pivoted about the swivel tube 12 in a vertical manner and may be swiveled about the bearing 10 in a horizontal manner, thereby enhancing the diversity of the exercising machine.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first end of each of the two bent tubes 1 has a top provided with a support plate 23, and a bearing 22 mounted on the support plate 23. Each of the two foot supports 2 is mounted on the bearing 22 of a respective one of the two bent tubes 1. Thus, each of the two foot supports 2 is rotatable relative to the respective bent tube 1 by the bearing 22.

[0041] In such a manner, the two foot supports 2 may be rotated relative to the two bent tubes 1, while the two bent tubes 1 may be pivoted about the swivel tube 12 in a vertical manner and may be swiveled about the bearing 10 in a horizontal manner, so that the two foot supports 2 may be rotated in three dimensions so as to better simulate the movement of the skier's feet during skiing, thereby enhancing the diversity of the exercising machine.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the connecting cable 4, the two lower fixed pulleys 6 and the upper fixed pulley 62 are undefined. In addition, the rope 3 is reeved through the movable pulley 60 and has two ends each secured on a second end of a respective one of the two bent tubes 1. Further, the antagonist resistance apparatus 5A has a first end connected to the support bracket 64 of the movable pulley 60 and a second end secured to one end of the base frame 7. The antagonist resistance apparatus 5 is preferably a hydraulic (oil or gas) spring.

[0043] In such a manner, the rope 3 is secured on the two bent tubes 1 and is directly connected to the antagonist resistance apparatus 5A by using a pulley system which includes a movable pulley 60.

[0044] In operation, the user's two feet may step on the two foot supports 2 to press and lower one of the two bent tubes 1 and to lift the other one of the two bent tubes 1, thereby pulling the rope 3 to move the movable pulley 60 so as to pull the antagonist resistance apparatus 5A. Thus, the user has to exert a force to overcome the resistance of the antagonist resistance apparatus 5A, thereby achieving an exercising effect.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the parts of the ski-simulation exercising machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention are the same as that of the ski-simulation exercising machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference is in that the antagonist resistance apparatus 5B is preferably a traction spring.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 17, a ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the parts of the ski-simulation exercising machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention are the same as that of the ski-simulation exercising machine of the third and fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference is in that the antagonist resistance apparatus 5 c is preferably a combination of the hydraulic spring and the traction spring.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the bearing 10 is fixed on the base frame 7 by a locking pin 14. Thus, the ski-simulation exercising machine may function as a stepper machine.

[0048] While the preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Such modifications are all within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ski-simulation exercising machine, comprising: a base frame; two bent tubes each having a mediate portion rotatably mounted on the base frame; two foot supports each mounted on a first end of a respective one of the two bent tubes; a rope reeved through a movable pulley and having two ends each secured on a second end of a respective one of the two bent tubes; and an antagonist resistance apparatus connected to the movable pulley.
 2. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base frame has an upper portion provided with a handle.
 3. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a bearing mounted between the base frame and the two bent tubes.
 4. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 3, further comprising a swivel tube pivotally mounted on the bearing, so that the swivel tube is swiveled on the base frame by the bearing, and the mediate portion of each of the two bent tubes is rotatably mounted on one end of the swivel tube, so that each of the two bent tubes is swiveled on the base frame by the swivel tube.
 5. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, further comprising two fixed pulleys each fixed on the base frame, and each of the two ends of the rope is reeved through a respective one of the two fixed pulleys.
 6. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a connecting cable having a first end connected to the movable pulley and a second end secured on the antagonist resistance apparatus.
 7. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 6, further comprising an upper fixed pulley mounted on an upper portion of the base frame, and the connecting cable is reeved through the upper fixed pulley.
 8. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the two bent tubes is provided with a support post.
 9. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the two bent tubes are pivoted about the swivel tube in a vertical manner and are swiveled about the bearing in a horizontal manner.
 10. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first end of each of the two bent tubes has a top provided with a support plate, and a bearing mounted on the support plate, and each of the two foot supports is mounted on the bearing of a respective one of the two bent tubes, so that each of the two foot supports is rotatable relative to the respective bent tube by the bearing.
 11. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the antagonist resistance apparatus is a weight.
 12. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the antagonist resistance apparatus is a hydraulic spring.
 13. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the antagonist resistance apparatus is a traction spring.
 14. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the antagonist resistance apparatus a combination of a traction spring and a hydraulic spring.
 15. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the antagonist resistance apparatus has a first end connected to the movable pulley and a second end secured to one end of the base frame.
 16. The ski-simulation exercising machine in accordance with claim 3, wherein the bearing is fixed on the base frame by a locking pin. 